February 22 is kind of a weird day. It’s usually cold, everyone is tired of winter, and yet, for some reason, the entire country decides it is time to drink tequila. National Margarita Day isn’t a "real" holiday in the sense that you get the day off work, but for anyone looking for national margarita deals, it’s basically the Super Bowl. You’ve probably seen the local spots claiming they have the "best" price, but the real game is played at the big chains where the logistics of moving thousands of gallons of lime juice and tequila actually make those $5 price tags possible.
Most people think these deals are just marketing fluff. They aren’t.
When you look at the sheer volume of spirits sold on this specific Tuesday or Thursday (depending on the year), it’s a massive revenue driver for the hospitality industry. I’ve seen data from previous years suggesting a nearly 200% spike in margarita sales compared to a standard weekday. But here is the thing: not all deals are created equal. Some places offer a "deal" that is really just their standard happy hour price rebranded with a fancy graphic. Others, like Chili’s or On The Border, actually slash prices deep enough to lose money on the drink just to get you through the door for some chips and queso.
The Heavy Hitters of National Margarita Deals
Chili's is the undisputed heavyweight here. They’ve turned the "Marg of the Month" into a cultural touchstone for casual dining. For National Margarita Day, they usually go all out with multiple options. Last year, they pushed their "Teaneck" and "Straw-Eddy" variations, but the real winner is always the $5 Margarita of the Month. Honestly, it’s the most consistent way to get a buzz without spending twenty bucks. They don't just do one drink; they usually have a tiered system where the house marg is dirt cheap, and the premium ones (using stuff like Patrón or Casamigos) are slightly discounted but still "premium."
Applebee’s is another one you can’t ignore. They are the kings of the "Dollarita," though they don't always run that specific $1 promotion on February 22. Often, they’ll pivot to a $5 "Sips" program. It’s cheap. It’s reliable. Is it the best tequila you’ve ever had? Probably not. But when you are looking for national margarita deals, you are usually looking for volume and value, not a 12-year-old extra añejo sipped neat in a crystal glass.
Why Chains Dominate This Specific Day
Scale matters. A small mom-and-pop cantina has to pay retail or slightly-below-retail for their tequila. A massive corporation like Brinker International (who owns Chili’s) buys tequila by the literal tanker truck. This allows them to offer national margarita deals that would bankrupt a smaller venue.
- They use "well" tequila that stays palatable because of the high sugar content in the mix.
- The ice displacement is calculated—you’re getting a cold drink, but a significant percentage of that glass is frozen water.
- Labor is streamlined. On February 22, bartenders aren't crafting complex infusions; they are pulling levers on pre-mix machines.
On The Border is another big player. They traditionally offer their "House Marg" for a steep discount, sometimes as low as $2 or $3 for a 12oz pour. They also tend to lean into the "Grande" upgrades. You start with a cheap drink, and the server immediately asks if you want to "Meltdown" a shot of Gran Gala or Cointreau on top for another couple of bucks. It’s a classic upsell. It works. You should probably say yes if you actually want to taste the liquor.
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What Most People Get Wrong About These Promos
People think these deals are 24/7. They aren't. Most national margarita deals are strictly for "dine-in only." This is a crucial distinction. Because of liquor laws in states like Texas, Georgia, and Ohio, "to-go" alcohol often has different taxing and pricing structures. Plus, the restaurant wants you sitting in a booth ordering appetizers. A $5 margarita is a "loss leader." If you walk in, drink one, and leave, the restaurant essentially lost money on the labor and overhead of seating you.
Another misconception? That every location participates.
Franchisees are the wild cards. Even if a brand like Buffalo Wild Wings or Bahama Breeze announces a national campaign, a specific owner in a suburb of Des Moines might decide they don't want to play along. Always, and I mean always, check the social media page of the specific location you’re heading to.
The Rise of Premium National Margarita Deals
Recently, there has been a shift. Consumers are getting pickier. We’ve moved past the era where people are happy with "green syrup and headache tequila."
This has forced brands like Fleming’s Prime Steakhouse or Bonefish Grill to enter the fray. Their version of a deal isn't a $2 drink. Instead, they might offer a $15 "Elite Margarita" that normally costs $25. It’s a different kind of value. You're paying for the quality of the agave and the fact that the lime juice was actually squeezed today, not three months ago in a factory in New Jersey.
Chuy's is great for this middle ground. They usually offer discounts on "toppers"—essentially an extra pour of tequila or orange liqueur that you can add to any drink. They also do a commemorative cup thing. It sounds silly, but people love collecting those plastic cups. It creates a "limited time" vibe that drives foot traffic more than the actual price cut does.
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The Math of the $5 Margarita
Let's look at the economics. A standard 750ml bottle of tequila contains about 25 ounces. If a restaurant puts 1.5 ounces in a drink, they get about 16 drinks per bottle. If they buy that bottle for $15 (wholesale/bulk), the liquor cost is about $0.93 per drink. Add in the mix, the salt, the lime garnish, and the straw, and you’re looking at maybe $1.25 in "COGS" (Cost of Goods Sold). Selling that for $5 represents a 75% profit margin.
That sounds high, right?
But you have to factor in the bartender’s hourly wage, the electricity, the rent, and the fact that three people sat at a table for an hour and only ordered two margaritas. Suddenly, that $5 deal looks a lot less like a cash cow and more like a desperate plea for attention.
Beyond the Big Names: Where Else to Look
Don't sleep on places that aren't Mexican restaurants.
- TGI Fridays: They almost always have a tequila-based promotion running for National Margarita Day.
- Dave & Buster's: Surprisingly good deals here because they want you to stick around and play games.
- Hooters: They’ve been known to do $5 margs that are surprisingly decent.
- Miller’s Ale House: They often have a "Captain’s Margarita" or similar that goes on sale.
The key to finding these isn't just looking at TV commercials. You need to look at "aggregator" apps and even local Facebook groups. Often, the best national margarita deals are the ones that are unadvertised or "secret" menu items.
The Tequila Shortage Myth and Pricing
You might hear people talk about a tequila shortage driving prices up. It’s true that agave takes about seven years to mature, so supply is inelastic. When demand spikes—like it does every February—prices should theoretically go up. However, the big players hedge this. They sign long-term contracts years in advance. This is why a massive chain can keep their margarita prices stable while your local craft cocktail bar has to raise prices by $2 every time the market shifts.
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If you see a deal that looks "too good to be true," like a $1 margarita, just know what you're getting. It’s likely a high-fructose corn syrup base with a very low-quality "mixto" tequila (tequila that is only 51% agave and 49% sugar cane or corn spirit). It’ll taste like a lollipop and give you a lingering headache. If you want the "real" deal, look for the $5 to $7 price point. That’s the "sweet spot" where quality meets value.
How to Maximize Your National Margarita Day Experience
If you’re serious about hunting down national margarita deals, you need a strategy. Don't just wing it.
First, go early. Happy hour usually starts at 3:00 PM or 4:00 PM. By 7:00 PM, these places are packed, the service is slow, and they might even run out of the specific "deal" glassware.
Second, check the fine print for "National Margarita Day" vs. "International Margarita Day." There is actually a difference. February 22 is the big one in the U.S., but some brands get confused and run promos at different times.
Third, eat something. It sounds like "mom advice," but these deals are designed to get you "relaxed" so you spend more on food. Use the money you saved on the drink to buy some high-protein appetizers. Your future self will thank you.
Actionable Steps for National Margarita Day
- Map your route: Identify three chains within a five-mile radius. Chili's, Applebee's, and On The Border are the "Triple Crown" of margarita deals.
- Verify on social: Check the "Local" or "Events" tab on Facebook for the specific franchise near you. This is where the most accurate pricing lives.
- Join the rewards programs: Most of these national margarita deals are actually "unlocked" through an app. Download the Chili's or OTB app at least 24 hours in advance to make sure your account is active.
- Ask for the "Gold" or "Premium" upgrade: Sometimes the deal applies to the base price, and for $1 more, you can get a significantly better tequila. It’s the best $1 you’ll spend all week.
- Tip on the original price: If your drink was $2 but should have been $10, don't tip 20% on the $2. Tip the bartender based on what the drink is actually worth. It’s a busy day for them, and they are working twice as hard for half the "ring."
National Margarita Day is ultimately about the spectacle. It’s an excuse to celebrate a classic cocktail and save a few bucks in the process. Whether you’re hitting a high-end steakhouse for a discounted Cadillac Marg or sitting at a sticky bar top for a $3 house pour, the national margarita deals are out there if you know where to look. Just remember: it’s a marathon, not a sprint. Pace yourself, drink plenty of water, and enjoy the fact that for one day a year, tequila is practically a public utility.
Summary of Key Takeaways:
- Large chains like Chili's and Applebee's offer the most reliable "loss leader" deals.
- "Dine-in only" is the standard rule for the best discounts.
- The $5 to $7 range is typically the best balance of quality and value.
- Individual franchises may opt-out, so local verification is mandatory.
- Using rewards apps can often unlock even deeper discounts or free appetizers.
Whatever you decide to do, February 22 is the day to find a deal. Just don't expect a quiet night out—it’s going to be loud, it’s going to be lime-scented, and it’s definitely going to be worth the $5.